It's almost a perfect autumn evening around Sydney's Enmore Theatre where Gary Clark Jr. is making his return to Australian shores.
Hamish Anderson warms up the evening (17 April) with his gentle yet character-filled voice. He shreds through riffs on his red and yellow guitar, singing "I'm gunna make you mine," with intent. The bass rolls across the walls and floor, the band creating a perfect rock sound. Anderson dons a harmonica for 'Strangers', a slower, soulful track that nicely closes the set.
The lights drop and a hip hop track plays as the stage lies waiting for its master. Clark enters, a silhouette in black pants, a black t-shirt and white, broad-brimmed hat.
Sultry rhythms play as one back-up singer matches with shakers. The intro is long, easing you into the set with simmering intensity. 'Maktub' features a stunning light show as bursts of orange perfectly match Clark's playing. He flows through phrases, carving emotion in each note.
The song releases into a solo of warbled tone, controlled but electric. "Sydney, what's happening, how we feeling?" Clark asks to rapturous applause. "It's good to be back," he smiles, effortlessly charming.
He dons a Gibson for 'When My Train Pulls In', as the lights turn blue. His second guitarist, wearing a spiky silver hat, shreds through a solo with a tone so crunchy you could be chewing teeth.
Clark is unafraid to take his time, easing into 'The Healing' with single riffs, as it builds into a spectacular display that demands hypnotised fixation, but miraculously, is still controlled. Clark takes a different approach to the solo.
For 'Feed The Babies', the organist takes a long solo that breathes and sighs into a full sound that expands the horizon. The songs keep getting better and better. 'Pearl Cadillac' is slower, but full of feeling under burnt-orange lights.
Clark loses the guitar for the D'Angelo-sounding 'What About Us'. He belts in falsetto and it's truly amazing. "Oh Sydney, I forgot how much fun we have," he declares at the song's end.
Clark utilises some nice wah tones, the crowd swinging their hips and singing along. The backing singers have not stopped with shakers and tambourines the entire show, and their harmonies blend perfectly.
Hamish Anderson returns for a track, as the lights turn purple and blue. The singers exit for 'Blak And Blu', as Clark coos "don't leave me". 'Bright Lights' has the crowd singing along, and Clark emotes his appreciation.
'Habits' is beautiful, Clark moving through small riffs that kiss your soul. He introduces the band before thanking the audience. Clark then shreds through one final solo, and you feel that you've taken a long, satisfying journey.
The encore features 'Don't Owe You A Thang', and the crowd claps along energetically.
